The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment (TSIA) is mandated by the Texas State Legislature. It helps Texas public higher education institutions determine if students are ready for entry-level college courses in English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. Certain scores on the SAT, ACT, STAAR, or successful completion of a College Preparatory Course can exempt students from the TSIA. A detailed list of TSI exemptions is available. TSIA scores and exemptions are valid for five years from the date the assessment was taken or benchmarks were met.
Students who don’t meet a TSI exemption must take the TSIA before enrolling in college. Students not meeting the benchmarks are admitted but must receive developmental education academic support as determined by the institution. More information can be found in the TSI Statute (Sec. 51.333) and Texas Administrative Code Rules for TSI, RULE §4.54.
What are TSIA Benchmarks?
Students who meet or exceed the TSIA benchmarks are considered “college ready.” They can enroll in entry-level college courses like English composition, history, government, or college algebra without needing remediation. Some college-level courses may require passing scores in more than one area.
Here are the TSIA benchmarks, valid for five years from when they were met:
TSIA Initial Assessment Benchmarks (Assessments taken before 01/11/21)
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 350.
- Reading: Minimum score of 351.
- Writing: A minimum score of 340 on the multiple-choice section with an essay score of 4-8 or a score less than 340 on the multiple-choice section, a diagnostic level of 4-6, and an essay score of 5-8.
TSIA2 Revised Assessment Benchmarks (Tests taken on or after 01/11/21)
- Mathematics: A minimum score of 950 or less than 950 and a diagnostic level of 6.
alt: TSIA2 Math Score benchmark showing a minimum score of 950 or a lower score with a diagnostic level of 6 indicating college readiness.
- ELAR (English Language Arts, Writing and Reading): A minimum score of 945 on the multiple-choice section with an essay score of 5-8, or less than 945 on the multiple-choice section, a diagnostic level of 5 or 6, and an essay score of 5-8.
alt: TSIA2 ELAR score benchmark showing a minimum score of 945 or a lower score with a diagnostic level of 5 or 6 and essay score of 5-8 indicating college readiness in English Language Arts, Writing, and Reading.
TSIA Exemptions
A student may be exempt from the TSIA based on several criteria.
Exemptions Before February 15, 2023:
- ACT: A composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test exempts both Reading and Writing sections. A composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the mathematics test exempts the Math section.
- SAT (Administered March 2016 and later): A minimum score of 530 in Mathematics exempts the Math section.
- Military Service: Serving for at least 3 years before enrollment, being a veteran, on active-duty, or a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed services qualifies for exemption.
- Transfer Students: Students transferring from another institution with satisfactory completion of college-level coursework are exempt.
- Certificate Programs: Enrollment in a certificate program of one year or less (Level One certificates) at a public institution leads to exemption.
Exemptions On or After February 15, 2023:
- ACT: A combined score of 40 on the ACT English and Reading (E+R) tests exempts both reading and writing or ELAR sections. A score of 22 on the ACT Mathematics test exempts the mathematics section (no composite score required). Scores from both pre- and post-February 15, 2023 ACT administrations can be combined as long as the above benchmarks are met.
alt: ACT scores for TSIA exemption showcasing a combined English and Reading score of 40 or a math score of 22 as benchmark for exemption from relevant sections of the TSIA assessment.
- SAT (Administered March 2016 and later): A minimum score of 530 on the SAT Mathematics test exempts the Math section. A minimum score of 480 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test earns an exemption for the reading and writing sections.
- Military Service: Similar to the previous criteria, service of at least 3 years preceding college enrollment, being a veteran, or a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed services provides exemption.
- Transfer Students: As before, students transferring with satisfactory college-level coursework are exempt.
- Certificate Programs: Enrolling in a certificate program of one year or less at a public institution leads to exemption.
Accessing TSIA Scores
Students can access their TSIA scores with an account in the TSIA2 Student Portal.
Understanding the TSIA and its requirements is essential for Texas students planning to attend public institutions of higher education. Knowing the benchmarks and exemption criteria can help students prepare effectively for college-level coursework.
